iPad · Retina & Beyond · 2012
iPad (3rd generation)
The Retina display arrived on the iPad, quadrupling the pixels. The bigger GPU and battery made it slightly thicker and warmer. It was replaced unusually fast.
First Retina iPad, with 3.1 million pixels, more than a 1080p TV.
iPad Air (2013)
iPad (3rd generation): key facts
When was the iPad (3rd generation) released?
The iPad (3rd generation) arrived on March 16, 2012. Apple discontinued it in October 2012.
How much did the iPad (3rd generation) cost?
The iPad (3rd generation) launched at $499 in 2012, about $699 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple A5X at 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, 9.7" Retina IPS, 2048×1536 display.
Why does the iPad (3rd generation) matter?
First Retina iPad, with 3.1 million pixels, more than a 1080p TV.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple A5X · 1 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 1 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB |
| Display | 9.7" Retina IPS, 2048×1536 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP4 |
| Ports | 30-pin dock |
| Weight | 652 g |
| Dimensions | 241.2×185.7×9.4 mm |
| Operating system | iOS 5.1 |
| Released | March 16, 2012 |
| Discontinued | October 2012 |
| Launch price | $499 |
How the iPad (3rd generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 16× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 1 GHz, the clock is roughly 3.2× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 4,100 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $499 in 2012, about $699 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
Apple dropped the numbering, calling it simply "the new iPad."
Related iPad models
Open the iPad (3rd generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11